Tech For Dummies: Cisco MDS 9100 Series Zoning & EMC VNX Host Add A “How To” Guide" By: Eli Mercado

Before we begin zoning please make sure you have cabled each HBA to both switches assuring the host is connected to each switch. Now let’s get started …

Configuring and Enabling Ports with Cisco Device Manager:

Once your HBAs are connected we must first Enable and Configure the ports.

1. Open Cisco Device Manager to enable port:

2. Type in the IP address, username and password of the first switch:

 

3. Right-click the port you attached FC cable to and select enable:

 

Cisco allows the usage of multiple VSANs (Virtual Storage Area Network). If you have created a VSAN other than VSAN 1 you must configure the port for the VSAN you created.

1. To do this, right-click the port you enabled and select “Configure”:

 

2. When the following screen appears, click on Port VSAN and select your VSAN, then click “Apply”:

 

3. Save your configuration by clicking on “Admin” and selecting “Save Configuration”, once the “Save Configuration” screen pops up and requests you to select “Yes”:

 

 Once you have enabled and configured the ports, we can now zone your Hosts HBAs to the SAN.

Login to Cisco Fabric Manager:

1. Let’s begin by opening Cisco Fabric Manager:

 

 2. Enter FM server username and password (EMC Default admin; password) , then clock “Login”:

 

3. Highlight the switch you intend to zone and select “Open”:

 

4. Expand the switch and right-click “VLAN”, then select “Edit Local Full Zone Database”:

 

Creating An FC Alias:

In order to properly manage your zones and HBAs, it is important to create an “FC Alias” for the WWN of each HBA. The following screen will appear:

1. When it does, right-click “FC-Aliases” and select “Insert”, once selected the next screen will appear. Type in the name of the host and HBA ID, example: SQL_HBAO. Click the down arrow and then select the WWN that corresponds to your server, finally click “OK”:

 

 

Creating Zones:

Now that we have created FC-Aliases, we can now move forward creating zones. Zones are what isolates connectivity among HBAs and targets. Let’s begin creating zones by:

1. Right-clicking on “Zones”.
2. Select “Insert” from the drop down menu. A new screen will appear.
3. Type in the name of the “Zone”, for management purposes use the following format _ Example: SQL01_HBAO_VNX_SPAO.
4. Click “OK”:

  Note: These steps must be repeated to zone the hosts HBA to the second storage controller. In our case, VNX_SPB1.

 Adding Members to Zones:

Once the Zones names are created, insert the aliases into the Zones:

5. Right-click on the Zone you created.
6. Select “Insert”, and a new screen will appear.
7. Select “FC-Alias”, click on “…” box then select Host FC Alias.
8. Select the target FC Alias, click “OK”, and click “Add”:

 

 

Creating Storage Groups:

Now that we have zoned the HBAs to the array, we can allocate storage to your hosts. To do this we must create “Storage Groups”, which will give access to LUNs in the array to the hosts connected to that array. Let’s begin by logging into the array and creating “Storage Groups”:

1. Login to Unisphere and select the array from the dashboard:

 

2. Select “Storage Groups” under the Hosts tab:

 

3. Click “Create” to create a new storage group:

 

4. The following screen will appear, type in the name of the storage group. Typically you will want to use the name of the application or hosts cluster name.

 

5. The screen below will pop up, at this time click “Yes” to continue and add LUNs and Hosts to the Storage Group:

 

6. The next screen will allow you to select wither newly created LUNs or LUNs that already exist in other Storage Groups. Once you add the LUN or LUNs to the group, click on the hosts tab to continue to add hosts:

 

7. In the hosts tab, select the Hosts we previously zoned and click on the forward arrow. Once the host appears in the right pane, click OK:  

 

8. At this point a new screen will pop up, click YES to commit.

Once you have completed these tasks successfully, your hosts will see new raw devices. From this point on, use your OS partitioning tool to create volumes.

Good Working Positions for computer user...

To understand the best way to set up a computer workstation, it is helpful to understand the concept of neutral body positioning. This is a comfortable working posture in which your joints are naturally aligned. Working with the body in a neutral position reduces stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system and reduces your risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The following are important considerations when attempting to maintain neutral body postures while working at the computer workstation:

• Hands, wrists, and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
  
  
• Head is level, or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
  
  
• Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
  
  
• Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
  
  
• Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest may be used if the desk height is not adjustable.
  
  
• Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
  
  
• Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
  
  
• Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

Regardless of how good your working posture is, working in the same posture or sitting still for prolonged periods is not healthy. You should change your working position frequently throughout the day in the following ways:

• Make small adjustments to your chair or backrest.
  
  
• Stretch your fingers, hands, arms, and torso.
   
• Stand up and walk around for a few minutes periodically.
  

These four reference postures are examples of body posture changes that all provide neutral positioning for the body.
 

Upright Sitting Upright sitting posture. The user's torso and neck are approximately vertical and in-line, the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs are vertical. Figure 1. Upright sitting posture Figure 2. The user's torso and neck are approximately vertical and in-line, the thighs are approximately horizontal, and the lower legs are vertical

Standing Standing posture. The user's legs, torso, neck, and head are approximately in-line and vertical. The user may also elevate one foot on a rest while in this posture. Figure 3. Standing posture Figure 4. The user's legs, torso, neck, and head are approximately in-line and vertical

Declined Sitting Declined sitting posture. The user's thighs are inclined with the buttocks higher than the knee and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees. The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the legs are vertical. Figure 5. Declined sitting position   Figure 6. The user's thighs are inclined with the buttocks higher than the knee and the angle between the thighs and the torso is greater than 90 degrees. The torso is vertical or slightly reclined and the legs are vertical

Reclined Sitting Reclined sitting posture. The user's torso and neck are straight and recline between 105 and 120 degrees from the thighs. Figure 7. Reclined sitting posture Figure 8. The user's torso and neck are straight and recline between 105 and 120 degrees from the thighs

10 Health Tips for Computer Users

Regular computer users run the risk of several health problems. Most computer-related jobs require people to sit in front of the computer for longer periods.
The term “ergonomics” is derived from two Greek words: “ergon”, which means work and “nomoi”, which means natural laws. According to the National Pain Foundation, ergonomics is “the science of designing the job to fit the worker, rather than physically forcing the worker’s body to fit the job.” Workers who do more of “static work” or maintain certain postures for a long time develop something called repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) over a period of time. Ergonomists study such problems and define postures that minimize unnecessary static work, reduce the harmful forces acting on the body, and in the end, considerably minimize the risk of injury.
Stretch once an hour: Do not sit in a posture for more than an hour. Lean forward, cross your arms in front of you, hold your knees, and push your knees apart, keeping your hands on them. You’ll feel this stretch across your shoulder blades. Stretch your fingers, arms, hands, and torso at regular intervals.
Exercise throughout the day: Make sure you move your hands, legs, back, and neck every 10 minutes throughout the day. Get up and take short walks from your workstation periodically.
Maintain a good working posture: According to the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the following are important considerations when attempting to maintain neutral body postures while working at the computer workstation:

• Hands, wrists and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor.
• Head is level or bent slightly forward, forward facing, and balanced. Generally it is in-line with the torso.
• Shoulders are relaxed and upper arms hang normally at the side of the body.
• Elbows stay in close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120 degrees.
• Feet are fully supported by floor or footrest.
• Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when sitting vertical or leaning back slightly.
• Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat and generally parallel to the floor.
• Knees are about the same height as the hips with the feet slightly forward.

Place and adjust the monitor: Place the computer monitor at the recommended viewing distance and angle, adjusting it to the right clarity settings.

• Adjust your position at a safe distance from where you can clearly view the elements on the monitor and read the text without slipping to awkward postures. The preferred distance between the eye and monitor is in the range of 20-40 inches (50-100 cm).
• Adjust your computer monitor to be directly in front of you with your head, neck, and torso facing the screen. Your monitor should not be farther than 35 degrees to the left or right.
• Give periodic rest to your eyes by looking at far-away objects. For example, a clock or calendar on the wall that is away from your workstation. Viewing the monitor for a long period results in fatigue and dryness. You must stop, look away and blink at regular intervals to give your eyes the necessary moisture. Other non-computer tasks such as filing, phone work, etc., can help your eyes take the needed break from the stress.

Position the pointer/mouse to maintain a straight and neutral wrist posture: If the keyboard tray/surface is not large enough to accommodate both the keyboard and mouse, try one of the following to limit stresses related to reaching and holding:

• A mouse platform positioned over the keyboard. This design allows the mouse to be used above the 10-key pad.
• A mouse tray next to the keyboard tray.
• A fingertip joystick attached to the keyboard.
• Pointing devices attached to the keyboard such as a touchpad.
• Point devices such as mouse that have the right size so that they fit the hand.
• Mousepad with a wrist rest.

Keep the keyboards at a comfortable position: Placing keyboards, pointing devices, or working surfaces too high or too low may result in awkward wrist, arm, and shoulder postures.

• Adjust the chair height and desk height to maintain a neutral body posture.
• Raise or lower the tilt of the keyboard to maintain straight, neutral wrist postures.
• If you are left-hand user, use an alternative left hand keyboard, which has the keypad permanently affixed to the left side.

Adjust the location of frequently-used devices: Devices such as keyboard, phone and mouse must be placed within the repetitive access (primary work zone) area.
Use mobile and size-adjustable chairs: Desks that are not at the right height may force you to take awkward postures such as extending your arms to reach the keyboard or raising your shoulders. Make sure that you have adequate clearance space for your thighs, legs, etc. particularly if you frequently change working postures.
Seating: Opt for a chair that provides adequate support to your back, legs, buttocks, and arms. For example, an ideal chair for your workstation should have the following:

• Backrest that adjusts well to the natural curvature of your spine and provides necessary lumbar support
• Comfortable seat that allows your feet to rest flat on the floor or a footrest that helps you adjust the height
• Soft armrests that allow your shoulders to relax and your elbows to stay close to your body
• Five-leg base with casters that allow easy movement along the floor

Keep the phone at your reach: Most office workers cannot do without a telephone at work. Placing the telephone at the right place is as important as adjusting other workplace objects. Keep the phone close enough to avoid repeated reaching. Use a speaker phone or a headset for teleconferences or long conversations.